If you’re craving all the tangy, spicy excitement of buffalo wings but want something a little more substantial (and a whole lot easier), then you’re in for a treat with this Baked Buffalo Chicken Recipe. With juicy chicken breasts baked under a blanket of zesty, buttery buffalo sauce, it delivers everything you love about your favorite appetizer in a simple, wholesome main course. This recipe is my go-to for busy weeknights and impromptu gatherings alike; it’s a crowd-pleaser that never fails to impress, and as a bonus, it’s naturally gluten-free and low in carbs. Let’s get started and turn up the heat in your kitchen!

Baked Buffalo Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Baked Buffalo Chicken Recipe lies in its handful of straightforward ingredients, most of which you probably already have. Each brings something special, building layers of flavor, texture, and eye-popping color that make this dish irresistible.

Chicken breasts: Choose boneless, skinless for quick cooking and tender results every time.
Hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot): The zesty backbone of the buffalo flavor, so pick your favorite for a kick that suits your taste buds.
Unsalted butter (melted): Adds richness and mellows the heat of the sauce, creating that classic silky “buffalo” texture.
Honey (optional): Just a touch can balance the heat for a rounder, more complex flavor, especially if you prefer your spice with a bit of sweet.
Garlic powder: Delivers a subtle savory boost that complements the sauce perfectly.
Onion powder: Adds gentle depth and rounds out any sharpness from the hot sauce.
Smoked paprika: Lends a whisper of smokiness and a hint of color, making every bite a little more exciting.
Salt: Essential for seasoning the chicken and bringing all the flavors together.
Black pepper: For a touch of warmth and to help highlight the bold flavors of the sauce.
Crumbled blue cheese or ranch dressing: Serve alongside for creamy, cooling contrast to all that fiery goodness.
Chopped green onions or parsley (optional): Fresh herbs brighten up the finished dish and add an inviting pop of color.

How to Make Baked Buffalo Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Dish

Start by cranking up your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s good and hot when your chicken goes in. While the oven heats, lightly grease a baking dish to keep those juicy chicken breasts from sticking and to make cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Whip Up the Buffalo Sauce

Grab a small bowl and whisk together the hot sauce, melted butter, honey (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. You’ll notice the mixture turns a gorgeous, vibrant orange—this is the signature look (and flavor!) of any solid Baked Buffalo Chicken Recipe.

Step 3: Sauce and Arrange the Chicken

Lay the chicken breasts flat in your prepared baking dish, making sure they’re not overlapping for even cooking. Pour half of your buffalo sauce over them and use a spoon or brush to coat every side. This first layer of sauce will infuse the chicken with bold flavor as it bakes.

Step 4: Bake Covered, Then Uncover

Cover the dish with foil and slide it into your preheated oven. Let the chicken bake for 20 minutes, allowing it to stay tender and juicy. After that, remove the foil, drizzle with the remaining buffalo sauce, and return to the oven—this time uncovered—so the sauce can really cling to the chicken and the edges caramelize for ultimate flavor.

Step 5: Check for Doneness and Rest

Bake for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Once done, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes—this is key to keeping the meat moist and letting those delicious juices redistribute.

Step 6: Add Sauces and Garnishes

To serve, drizzle with creamy blue cheese or ranch dressing, and shower with green onions or parsley if you like. This final flourish is what makes the Baked Buffalo Chicken Recipe really shine at the table!

How to Serve Baked Buffalo Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

Don’t underestimate the power of a sprinkle of fresh green onions or parsley and a drizzle of tangy blue cheese or cool ranch dressing on top of your hot, spicy chicken. These garnishes not only look inviting and colorful, but they also provide a cooling, creamy counterpoint that keeps those bold flavors balanced and totally craveable.

Side Dishes

This spicy star pairs perfectly with classic sides like crisp celery sticks and carrot coins for crunch, or a simple mixed greens salad to refresh the palate. For heartier options, try garlic mashed potatoes, roasted sweet potatoes, or even a bed of buttery rice—each one soaks up every drop of that irresistible buffalo sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to shake things up? Dice or shred the chicken and stuff it into warm wraps with lettuce and tomato for buffalo chicken wraps, top baked sweet potatoes, or scatter over a crunchy salad with extra blue cheese for a buffalo twist. However you plate it, this Baked Buffalo Chicken Recipe always impresses!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover chicken is a dinner time dream. Let any extra Baked Buffalo Chicken Recipe cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors may deepen overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch even more tempting.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze individual portions of the cooked (and cooled) chicken tightly wrapped or in freezer bags for up to two months. Just remember, it’s best to leave off the blue cheese or ranch garnish until you’re ready to serve after thawing.

Reheating

Warm the chicken gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave in short bursts, checking so it doesn’t dry out. A fresh drizzle of sauce or dressing after reheating perks up the flavors as if it just came out of the oven!

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work beautifully in this Baked Buffalo Chicken Recipe, offering even more juiciness and intense flavor. Just adjust the baking time, as thighs may take a few minutes longer to cook through.

How spicy is this dish?

With classic hot sauce as the base, it packs a moderate spicy punch. If you’re sensitive to heat, use a milder hot sauce or increase the honey for a sweeter, more balanced flavor. For spice lovers, go ahead and add a few dashes of cayenne!

What’s the best way to check if the chicken is cooked?

A meat thermometer is your best friend here; the chicken is perfectly done when it reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part. Cutting into a breast to check for clear juices is another quick way to make sure it’s ready.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Sure thing! Swap the butter for a non-dairy alternative like vegan margarine, and serve with a dairy-free ranch or skip the creamy dressing altogether. The Baked Buffalo Chicken Recipe still packs a ton of flavor.

Is it possible to make this dish ahead for meal prep?

Yes! You can bake the chicken, cool it, then slice or shred for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week. The leftovers reheat well and taste even better as the flavors meld.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like sharing a meal that’s simple, a little spicy, and totally satisfying—which is exactly what you’ll get with this Baked Buffalo Chicken Recipe. Whether you’re gathering around the table with family or serving up game-day bites for friends, this dish always delivers bold flavors and big smiles. Give it a whirl and make it your own; I know it’ll become a favorite in your kitchen, too!

Baked Buffalo Chicken Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 17 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Baked Buffalo Chicken recipe is a flavorful and easy dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a spicy, tangy buffalo sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or game day snack!

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts

Buffalo Sauce:

½ cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 tablespoon honey (optional, for balance)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

For Serving:

½ cup crumbled blue cheese or ranch dressing
Chopped green onions or parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
Prepare Buffalo Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together hot sauce, melted butter, honey, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Cook Chicken: Place chicken breasts in the baking dish and pour half of the buffalo sauce over them. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil, pour remaining sauce over chicken, and bake uncovered for 10–15 minutes until cooked through.
Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve drizzled with blue cheese or ranch dressing, garnished with green onions or parsley if desired.